Where are the best campsites for exploring Lauzerte?
3-star campsite in Lauzerte: nature, unique accommodation and relaxation
Set in a natural, leafy setting in Lauzerte itself, in Tarn-et-Garonne, the Beauvillage *** campsite offers a friendly stay in the heart of the Quercy countryside. It has pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as unique accommodation options such as yurts and wooden cabins. Holidaymakers can also enjoy the swimming pool, the restaurant and a range of on-site activities, whilst being close to the medieval village of Lauzerte. Open: March to November.
3-star campsite in Vazerac: nature, a swimming pool and family holidays
Located in Vazerac, in Tarn-et-Garonne, Camping Latapie *** is set on a vast 7-hectare site, in the heart of a peaceful natural setting. With its spacious, shaded pitches, it is particularly suitable for families and holidaymakers seeking peace and quiet. On site, a swimming pool, a playground, a pétanque court, table tennis tables and a bar-restaurant allow you to make the most of your stay . The campsite is situated 20 km from the village of Lauzerte and also lies on the La Vagabonde route, ideal for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. Open from June to September.
Campsite in Montaigu-de-Quercy: a nature break by the lake
Situated on the shores of Lac des Chênes in Montaigu-de-Quercy, Le Lac des Chênes campsite offers a stunning setting in the heart of a lush oak forest. Its 69 spacious, fully equipped pitches accommodate tents, caravans and motorhomes, with a choice of shaded areas under the oak trees or near the lake. Holidaymakers can enjoy an environment perfect for swimming, water sports and relaxation, whilst facilities such as the boules court, table tennis and barbecue area add to the friendly atmosphere. Fully equipped tents and mobile homes are also available for added comfort. The campsite is situated 17 km from the village of Lauzerte. Open: from April to January.
To explore the department further, you’ll find all the campsites in Tarn-et-Garonne here.
Where are Lauzerte’s hidden treasures?
Lauzerte: a stroll amongst medieval stonework and unusual creations
To discover Lauzerte, nothing beats a leisurely stroll through its narrow streets, taking the time to look up, push open a door or pause at an unexpected detail. The walk can begin in the heart of the medieval town, around Saint-Barthélemy Church, whose Gothic portal opens onto the Place des Cornières. Rebuilt and extended after the Wars of Religion, the church now features a nave and chancel dating mainly from the 17th century, whilst its neoclassical façade overlooks the Rue du Château.
Place des Cornières reveals the full beauty of Lauzerte. Lined with arcades and old houses, this small square, once dedicated to markets and public life, naturally invites you to linger. But you need only look down at your feet to discover a surprise: the ‘Coin relevé’, an original and unusual work of art created in 1988. Here, the ground seems to literally rise at an angle, as if a wave of stone had lifted the paving of the bastide. This astonishing contemporary artwork interacts with the old stones and lends the square an almost surreal atmosphere.
Continuing the stroll towards the higher ground and the ancient ramparts, you reach the Pontet de la Gandilhonne, a place steeped in history where one of Lauzerte’s most picturesque legends is told. A local woman, known as the Gandilhonne, is said to have once secretly counted the English soldiers leaving the town by placing pebbles in her apron, before alerting the consuls, who ordered the town gates to be closed. The walk then takes on the feel of a journey through time, amidst tales of war, ancient sites and panoramic views over the valleys.
And art is never far away. As you wander through the streets, you can still spot the works of the ceramicist Buchholtz, who has left his mark in various parts of the town. Street signs, glazed stoneware tiles, a stoneware village, a totem pole, pyramids and even a fountain punctuate the walk, adding a contemporary touch to the medieval heritage. In Lauzerte, heritage and artistic creation blend with astonishing harmony: every turn reveals a new discovery, every stone seems to tell a story, and every artwork invites you to see this magnificent Quercy bastide in a new light.
The Jardins du Pèlerin: a fun family stroll
In Lauzerte, the Jardins du Pèlerin offer an original and fun way to discover the world of the Way of St James. Set in the heart of the village, these gardens draw inspiration from the pilgrim’s journey of self-discovery, their stops along the way, the people they meet and the trials that mark their path. Here, young and old alike are invited to move from square to square in an astonishing life-size game of snakes and ladders. Paths, plantings, small bridges, symbols and landscaping combine to create a trail full of surprises, where everyone can have fun rediscovering the spirit of the pilgrim on their journey.
As they stroll along, children can get caught up in the game whilst adults discover a poetic evocation of the long journey to Santiago de Compostela. The gardens thus combine discovery, nature and history in a particularly pleasant setting, offering an ideal break for families after exploring the narrow streets of Lauzerte. Their original design and landscaping have, in fact, been recognised on several occasions, notably with the ‘Jardin remarquable’ (Remarkable Garden) label and a number of awards for floral displays and landscaping. This recognition highlights the care that has gone into this site, which over the years has become one of the town’s most charming and unusual spots. The Jardins du Pèlerin are therefore best experienced both with your eyes and with a sense of playfulness: a lovely way to introduce children, without ever boring them, to the history of the Way of St James and the spirit of the pilgrims who have passed through Lauzerte for centuries.
The Saint-Sernin du Bosc Chapel, a timeless stopover
Just a few kilometres from Lauzerte, the Saint-Sernin du Bosc Chapel offers a lovely getaway for those wishing to discover a lesser-known part of the region’s heritage, set amidst a peaceful landscape. Nestled in lush greenery, this former rural chapel has a history dating back to the Middle Ages and bears witness to the importance of the places of worship that once dotted the routes taken by pilgrims. Over the centuries, the building has undergone various alterations, whilst retaining the simple, authentic charm of its architecture.
Its location on the Way of St James now gives it a special significance. Many pilgrims stop off at Saint-Sernin du Bosc, continuing a tradition of passage that lends the chapel a unique atmosphere. For walkers and visitors alike, whether travelling with their families, it offers an opportunity to take a break, discover a place steeped in history and enjoy the tranquillity that surrounds it.
The chapel’s heritage value was officially recognised when it was listed as a Historic Monument in 1995. This protection highlights the exceptional significance of the building and helps to preserve this precious testament to the religious and Jacobean history of Tarn-et-Garonne. Far from the busiest tourist spots, Saint-Sernin du Bosc reveals itself as a charming stop-off point, where visitors come as much to admire the ancient stones as to soak up the special atmosphere of a place that, for centuries, has welcomed those travelling the Way of St James.
Summer in Lauzerte: festivals, markets and the flavours of Quercy
In summer, Lauzerte takes on a whole new dimension and invites visitors to extend their exploration thanks to a host of festive and cultural events. Concerts, shows, street entertainment and open-air events regularly bring the town’s squares and narrow streets to life, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The market is also well worth a visit: here you’ll find local producers and craftspeople, offering seasonal fruit and vegetables, local produce and a host of specialities that let you discover the flavours of Quercy whilst meeting the people who bring them to life. It’s also the perfect opportunity to put together a gourmet picnic or pick up some fine regional produce to take home. And for food lovers, Lauzerte is a lovely gateway to a generous and authentic culinary experience. You simply cannot leave without trying the ‘tourtière’, a delicate traditional dessert made with finely rolled pastry, or the famous Agen prune, an icon of the region. Cheese lovers may be tempted by the Cabécou d’Autan, whilst the most discerning gourmets will appreciate, depending on the season, the prized Quercy truffle. All these specialities extend the pleasure of the walk and provide yet another good reason to linger in Lauzerte: here, discovery is also found on the plate!image